Caring for Bug Bites

‘Tis the season for enjoying the outdoors and having meals outside! However, all too often, you get eaten, too! Here is a list of useful links to prevent and soothe the irritation of bug bites and keep yourself off of the menu!

We like this article because while the FDA has not approved essential oil products as drugs because of a lack of clinical trials to meet the agency’s standard for safety or effectiveness, this article provides information from accredited agencies such as the Center for Disease Control.

The FDA requires companies to include the following disclosure regarding the therapeutic benefits of essential oils: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”

We also like that this article provides links to its sources for you to read the information for yourself to make informed choices.

One of our patients recommends Amazon.com as a good place to purchase essential oils and offers these tips:

Read reviews of the products and their sellers. Sellers sand products with favorable reviews have them for good reasons. It’s a good idea to check a few unfavorable reviews to get a better understanding of what customers liked and disliked.

Read all of the product descriptions carefully to avoid disappointment.

Choose oils that are all-natural, unfiltered and undiluted; preferably steam-distilled; and free from toxins, additives or preservatives.

You can find good deals on larger-sized bottles. Search for the type of oil you desire in 4oz. bottles. For example, search for “Lavender Essential Oil 4oz.”

Try to purchase all of your desired oils from the same seller to receive free shipping deals.

Gear

Mosquito Netting is important because it prevents insect bites and comes in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes for just about every function — from portable tents to king-sized beds to baby carriages and strollers! Many mosquito nets are pre-treated with insecticide for extra protection. This guide from SafariQuip gives very detailed information to help you choose netting that is right for your location as well as your needs. You will also find information on mosquito-repellent clothing and other products. Another good read is the Mosquito Net Buying Guide which even gives you tips on how to get the best deals on eBay.

Wearables. You can find everything from insect repellent clothing that repels fleas and ticks (and for pets, too!) to jewelry that you can easily put on and take off. Some of the jewelry is simple, others are quite fashionable and ornate! You can find wearables that are chemically-treated and which use all-natural ingredients to repel bugs.

Now for the not-so-great news…

An interesting study described in Science Magazine tells that while citronella candles are great for ambiance, they have little to no effect on repelling insects! Scientists conducted a study using a human as bait with one of five sprays, five wearable devices, or a citronella candle. Researchers found that “most did not live up to the promises on their labels. At a distance of 1 meter, DEET and oil of lemon eucalyptus sprays reduced mosquito attraction by 60%.” Check out the full details in the Journal of Insect Science.

Recap of Doc Tommy Happenings

Check out all of the attention that Doc Tommy’s been getting:

Bet you didn’t know that Doc Tommy has skills to co-host a radio show known for chill grooves! Last month, Doc Tommy guest hosted on The Quiet Storm Radio Show with Lenny Green on WBLS.FM! If you’re not familiar with The Quite Storm, it was pioneered by the legendary, Vaughan Harper who created soothing vibes to wind down from the day for more than 3 decades. The Quiet Storm is now hosted by Lenny Green, who was voted Billboard Magazine’s 1999 Air Personality of the Year Award!

Listen to Doc Tommy’s Interview with Empire Now Radio

Doc Tommy’s Charm Lands a Video Showcase!

Here’s yet another reason to know that Doc Tommy is the right doctor!Weedmaps.com (“the most reliable online resource to find cannabis storefronts, doctors and deals”) approached Doc Tommy to be the subject of this amazing video!

Only a doctor whose professionalism, expertise, and great patient relationships will yield such really, good karma! (Click video for full screen or CLICK HERE for larger video view.) NOTE: You may wish to LOWER the video’s volume before playing.

Latest Video Testimonial

Check out our newest, video testimonial! (Click video for full screen.) NOTE: You may wish to LOWER the video’s volume before playing.If you would like to offer a testimonial, please share here.

Here’s your chance to be a proud supporter of Doc Tommy and his caring approach to your well-being and success with Medical Marijuana! Upload your video testimonialto our private and secure account and help other people get over the fright and plight of the stigma of MMJ! The more people who have success with MMJ, the more people who can benefit from MMJ!

Medical Marijuana in The News

Being an informed patient puts you in charge of your health and healing.

We encourage you to stay up-to-date with the rapidly changing policies concerning Medical Marijuana (from farming to distribution), especially with the new administration and its choices for its officers.

N.Y. Health Department improves medical marijuana program amid growing demand. “Effective immediately, doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can register online and certify patients the same day. Officials say that will help streamline and simplify the registration process for medical professionals. The state’s medical marijuana program has more than 22,000 patients, and that number is on the rise. In late March, the department added chronic pain as a qualifying condition and since then an additional 7,504 patients have become certified.”

US Attorney GeneralJeff Sessions Praises Failed D.A.R.E. Program. “There’s just one problem with the AG’s assertion, he was dead wrong on the facts… Far from effective, D.A.R.E. was an abject failure, at least, according to the feds. In 2003, the GAO (a.k.a. the U.S. Government Accountability Office) disclosed the program made absolutely no difference.”

Canadian Dollars Are Funding Global Cannabis Expansion. “Now in the 21st-century, marijuana is finally getting its due as an incredible medicine. To that end, Canada is building upon its reputation as a pot-loving country by funding the international cannabis industry.”

Office Policy Updates

Current Office Special

Refer A Friend and Receive a $75 Follow-Up Visit

Now’s your chance to receive a $25 credit for each person you refer who becomes an active patient! Share your success with people who may benefit from Medical Marijuana treatment with Doc Tommy’s expertise and comforting care and receive “karma credits!” See Office Policies for more info.

Join our mailing list to be kept up to date.

Disclaimer: Please note that Doc Tommy News is presented as a resource for health tips, current events, and other interests to give patients an opportunity to expand awareness of developments concerning Medical Marijuana in the United States and abroad. The views and opinions expressed in Doc Tommy News are those of the individual authors/parties and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Office of Dr. Thomas G. O’Brien, II.

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Testimonials

I wanted to update you and let you know that the medical marijuana is helping to keep my pain in check so I can be functional. It doesn’t take my pain away completely but it helps me get up everyday and go to work which is exactly what I needed. I am so thankful that Read More…

Thank you, Dr. O’Brien! I was scared to go to another doctor’s appointment but Dr. Tommy said he treats his patients like family…and he was right! He was incredibly kind and most impressive to me, he really knew his stuff. Finding a doctor willing to talk to you for an hour (in NYC!), and discuss Read More…

My meeting with Dr. O’Brien was excellent. His care and compassion for my chronic condition was clearly evident (emotionally, physically and neurologically). He has a warm, friendly, professional bed-side manner and carries himself with pride and humility. He was thorough in his examination, he educated me about my body and gave me good recommendations. I Read More…

Outstanding! Can’t say enough great stuff about this Doctor. Almost too thorough. Did more than I asked and spends plenty time explaining. This is a person who truly cares….I think he saved my life…. Dana H., Manhattan, NY, June 2017

Amazingly informative!! Dr. Tommy O (O’Brien) explained everything in excellent detail and in a way my son and I could fully comprehend his medical problem and the appropriate treatment. This way we understand why we are using the prescribed medication and how to use it. Thank you so much!! – Enid G., Queens

Dr. Tom O’Brien, You are a miracle worker! Thank you for helping us find a solution for my mother-in-law’s nightly aggression and agitation associated with dementia… The more I learn about cannabis, the more you hear overwhelming stories, like this one, with cures over illnesses such as cancers and many neurological issues and pain management! Again, I can’t thank you enough for your guidance! Go Dr. Tommy O!! ~ Diane Kallimanis Halka and the whole Halka Family Read More…

…I ONLY have great things to say! I found only 5-star reviews about Dr. O’Brien on websites… ALL of the reviews were right! My experience has been great!!! You get what you pay for! The time and attention that Dr. O’Brien gave me was well worth his fees and I like his discount and referral programs! Read More…